OCTOBER 21, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
MIAMI HEAT 8-8 · 6TH IN EASTERN CONFERENCE
8-8 · 6TH IN EASTERN CONFERENCE
Next Game vs Raptors · Sat 1:00AM
MIA -7.5 TOTAL 221.5
Heat waive Justin Champagnie, Cheick Diallo The Miami Heat waived forward Justin Champagnie and center/forward Cheick Diallo on Saturday, four days ahead of their season opener against...
Cole Swider - Converted to two-way deal The Heat converted Swider's Exhibit 10 contract to a two-way deal Saturday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Impact With Miami upgrading guard Dru Smith to a standard NBA contract, Swider will join R.J. Hampton and Jamal Cain as the Heat's three two-way players entering the regular season. As a rookie in 2022-23, Swider made seven appearances for the Lakers last season but otherwise spent the bulk of the campaign in the G League. Swider is likely ticketed to spend significant time in the G League once again in 2023-24, this time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Dru Smith - Upgraded to standard contract The Heat signed Smith to a multi-year standard NBA contract Saturday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Impact After making 15 NBA appearances in 2022-23 between the Heat and Nets and averaging 2.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 10.5 minutes, Smith re-signed with Miami on a two-way pact in July. The Heat had an opening on the 15-man roster, and Smith will ultimately step in to fill the void while Miami keeps Cole Swider, R.J. Hampton and Jamal Cain as its three two-way players heading into the start of the regular season. It's unclear if Smith will open the season with a regular spot in head coach Erik Spoelstra's rotation.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Nikola Jovic - Scores in double figures off bench Jovic posted 10 points (4-8 FG, 0-3 FT, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes during Friday's 110-104 preseason loss to the Rockets.
Impact Jovic led the Heat in minutes Friday despite coming off the bench. While he struggled with his outside shot, he was able to convert on four of his five two-point attempts. Jovic is expected to compete for a depth role in the frontcourt this season.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Orlando Robinson - Struggles with efficiency Robinson recorded seven points (2-7 FG, 3-5 FT), five rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one rebound in 16 minutes during Friday's 110-104 preseason loss to the Rockets.
Impact Robinson showcased his defensive potential Friday but struggled with his shooting. Robinson is expected to be the Heat's third-string center behind Bam Adebayo and Thomas Bryant this season.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
R.J. Hampton - Provides spark off bench Hampton tallied 17 points (5-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), five assists, three rebounds and one steal during Friday's 110-104 preseason loss to the Rockets.
Impact Hampton returned to action Friday after missing the previous three contests with hip and hamstring injuries. He led Miami in scoring despite coming off the bench. Hampton isn't expected to receive a significant role for the Heat this season.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Ira Winderman: Don't dare tell Heat's Spoelstra the regular season doesn't matter When it comes to talk about the NBA regular season not mattering, it is best to avoid the subject with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • SUN-SENTINEL.COM
Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets - Full Game Highlights | 2023 NBA Preseason
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • YOUTUBE
HEAT at ROCKETS | NBA PRESEASON FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October 20, 2023
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • YOUTUBE
Duncan Robinson - Returns to second unit Robinson moved back to the bench for Friday's preseason game against Houston.
Impact Caleb Martin returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee issue. With Jaime Jaquez battling a groin issue, Robinson may be in the rotation for Opening Night.
OCTOBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Kevin Love - Starting Friday Love will be in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against Houston, Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets reports.
Impact The veteran sharpshooter is back on the floor after being held out for rest Wednesday. Love's role this season is still in the air as the Heat decide on a starting lineup for Opening Night.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Tyler Herro - Good to go Herro (thigh) is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Rockets, Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets reports.
Impact Herro missed Wednesday's preseason game with a minor contusion, but the Heat were likely being extra cautious. Herro will have plenty on his plate with Jimmy Butler (dental work) sitting out again.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Kyle Lowry - Starting against Rockets Lowry is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Rockets, Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets reports.
Impact Lowry was given the night off for rest on Wednesday, but he's not dealing with any injuries. It remains to be seen if he'll be the starting point guard on Opening Night.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Caleb Martin - Suiting up against Houston Martin (knee) is available for Friday's preseason finale versus the Rockets, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact Martin will make his preseason debut Friday after missing time with left tendinosis. However, Martin will be on a minutes restriction as he works his way back into game shape.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
R.J. Hampton - Available Friday Hampton (hip/hamstring) is available for Friday's preseason finale against the Rockets, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact Hampton has missed the previous three exhibitions, but he'll return to action Friday. He's competing for a rotation spot in his first year with Miami.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Jamal Cain - Dealing with illness Cain won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Rockets due to an illness, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact Cain was a late scratch due to an illness, but he should return to full strength before the regular-season opener against the Pistons on Oct. 25. However, it's unclear if Cain will be able to carve out a regular rotation role to begin the 2023-24 campaign despite some encouraging performances during preseason action.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
NBA Teams Tiers: It's title or bust for the Nuggets, Bucks, Celtics and Suns
The Lakers and Grizzlies got stronger over the summer, but they're still a tier below the true contenders in the NBA.OCTOBER 20, 2023
What Should The Expectations Be For Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo This Season? The Miami Heat big man is entering his seventh season in the league.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • KANSASCITY.COM
What Should The Expectations Be For Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo This Season? The Miami Heat big man is entering his seventh season in the league.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM
What Should The Expectations Be For Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo This Season? The Miami Heat big man is entering his seventh season in the league.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • SUNHERALD.COM
Jimmy Butler - Won't play Friday Butler (dental procedure) won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Rockets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.
Impact Butler has been absent for a handful of preseason games due to multiple dental procedures, but there hasn't been any indication he's in danger of missing regular-season action. Miami opens the 2023-24 campaign at home against Detroit on Oct. 25.
OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Haywood Highsmith - Will miss start of regular season Highsmith will miss the start of the regular season after being diagnosed with a left MCL sprain, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.
Impact Highsmith had already been ruled out for the preseason finale against the Rockets on Friday, but it seems the injury is more severe than originally expected. He averaged 9.3 points per game across four preseason contests. Highsmith's absence could open up playing time for Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez (groin) to begin the 2023-24 regular season.
OCTOBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Josh Richardson - Considered day-to-day Richardson (foot) is considered day-to-day after an MRI on Thursday came back negative, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.
Impact This is good news for Richardson, but he'll have to wait for the discomfort to subside before getting the green light. Richardson has already been ruled out for Friday's preseason finale against Houston, and he should be considered questionable for Opening Night on Oct. 25 against the Pistons.
OCTOBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Heat move closer to whole, but uncertain of Butler's bite MIAMI — The question for the Miami Heat now is whether Jimmy Butler can put some teeth into the team’s preseason.
OCTOBER 19, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
Dress rehearsal game? How is Richardson's foot? Questions surround Heat entering preseason finale Who will play in the preseason finale? How is Josh Richardson’s foot? Who will get the final few spots on the roster? A look at the question...
OCTOBER 19, 2023 • MIAMIHERALD.COM
